Killing political enemies

As far as I know, traditional and neophyte politicians seeking elective government positions are both well-versed in the age-old tactics of giving money to voters to get themselves elected.

The wealthy ones with their utter display of arrogance and on the pretext of being imbued with philanthropic heart comfortably give money to whomever they meet in the streets during the campaign period. For they think that by giving money to the people they are assured of victory in the election.

Whereas the not-so-moneyed politicians would simply adopt the traditional way of campaigning, elucidating to the public their own platform of governance if ever they will be elected into office. And yes, the giving of money to the electorate is definitely out of question.

I think many of us are already aware of the latest news, a shooting incident wherein no less than the governor of Negros Oriental in the person of Roel Degamo, met his untimely demise when a group of armed men (hired killers) barged into his residence, shot him and eight others, killing them on the spot.

Since the Ampatuan massacre on November 23, 2009 and the Mamasapano massacre on January 25, 2015, it's really so sad that another massacre of innocent people would happen, and no less than the local chief executive of a province became the latest victim.

It is of public knowledge that the late governor never lost in the local elections; however, in the recent political exercise, his opponent emerged the winner. The late governor Roel Degamo then filed a petition for writ of mandamus before the High Court which resulted in the transfer of votes in his favor.

It can be recalled the Comelec en banc declared Ruel Degamo a nuisance candidate, and that the votes obtained by him be transferred and credited in favor of Gov. Roel Degamo, giving the latter a number of votes greater than that of his political opponent, Pryde Henry Teves. The Supreme Court in an en banc session affirmed the decision of the Comelec declaring the late governor as the true winner in the gubernatorial race in the province of Negros Oriental.

Shooting incidents and poll-related violence has already claimed many lives. Political parties, political groups or political kingpins in a particular place used the power of guns to keep themselves in power, for instance, having private armies to assassinate their political archrivals; for they could hardly accept the fact that their political nemesis emerged victorious in the election, even to the extent of being skeptical about the trustworthiness of the court in handing down its decision on election-related cases.

Men in uniform carrying long and high-powered firearms fatally shot the governor and eight others in broad daylight at close range, killing all of them. In a hot pursuit operation carried out by joint police and military teams it was found out that the three arrested gunmen were former soldiers dismissed from service for various offenses.

What a shame! Supposedly protectors of the people against lawless elements now becoming killers and criminals? That should not have happened in this country of ours where many of our people are God-fearing and law-abiding citizens.

In seeking justice for all the victims of this barbaric, brutal, and merciless slaying of innocent people, masterminds and all their hired killers must be persecuted and prosecuted in accordance with law. "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." (Leviticus. 24:19–21). An ancient principle during the time of Moses in the Old Testament wherein a man should be punished commensurate to the offense or crime he committed.

But not in our times wherein due process of law in dealing with the suspects or criminals has to be applied as appropriate. The 1987 Philippine Constitution says, "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved .... " (Article III, Bill of Rights, Section 14, par. 2)

With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. offering to help the victims' families in resolving the case, at least, they can sigh with relief that justice will be served to their departed loved ones, sooner or later.

Joselito Berdin Lapu-Lapu City